Once upon a time, Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu were inseparable in the corridors of power. Both were seen as fearless reformers under President Olusegun Obasanjo with El-Rufai bulldozing Abuja into shape and Ribadu waging war against corruption. They shared victories, whispered secrets, and dined at the same political table—until the music stopped.
Their first fallout came in 2011 when Ribadu accepted the Action Congress of Nigeria’s (ACN) presidential ticket without El-Rufai’s blessing. It was an unspoken betrayal, analysts claim, one that left wounds beneath the surface. Still, they kept up appearances, attending weddings and burials together. But behind the smiles, their friendship had apparently started to rot.
Fast forward to 2023, and their paths crossed again under President Bola Tinubu. Ribadu landed the coveted National Security Adviser role, while El-Rufai’s ministerial dream crumbled at the doorstep of the Senate. Many expected Ribadu to intervene. Instead, he stayed silent.